Since the Black Lives Matter movement's significant influence in 2020, San Francisco has experienced a concerning decline. The city's once-vibrant Union Square, a hub for tourists and locals alike, has been particularly impacted. The convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd's death led to a shift in city leadership and policies, which coincided with a rise in lawlessness.

Major retailers like Saks Off 5th and Nordstrom have abandoned Union Square, citing the escalating crime and unchecked homelessness. Petty theft fueled by addiction and opportunistic criminal behavior have become commonplace. Westfield Mall, a symbol of San Francisco's struggles, has witnessed stabbings of security guards and even a reported sexual assault in a bathroom. Retailers like Claire's and Ted Baker have closed their doors due to rampant shoplifting and threats of violence.

The closure of Whole Foods' flagship store in the Mid-Market neighborhood further underscores the city's challenges. Frequent theft, aggressive homeless individuals, and a fatal overdose within the store contributed to the decision. These issues, as detailed in the upcoming book "What’s Killing America: Inside the Radical Left’s Tragic Destruction of Our Cities," are directly linked to the radical left policies adopted after the city's embrace of the BLM movement.

The city's decision to defund the police, diverting $120 million to Black community initiatives as a form of reparations, has been criticized. Former District Attorney Chesa Boudin's policies, such as ending gang enhancements and increasing the use of diversion programs, have also drawn fire for contributing to the rise in crime. Homicides and burglaries saw significant increases following the implementation of these policies.

The resulting surge in homelessness and crime deterred tourists and locals, further exacerbating the city's decline. Despite attempts to reverse course by refunding law enforcement and recalling Boudin, the entrenched culture of lawlessness continues to pose a challenge. While the city implements measures to address drug dealing and public drug use, some on the radical left continue to advocate against these efforts, further hindering progress. San Francisco's future hinges on its leaders' ability to prioritize public safety and implement effective solutions to address the root causes of its decline.